Laos bans new gasoline and diesel car imports, mandating all-electric vehicles

Laos became the first country to implement a complete import ban on combustion-engine vehicles as of June 1, requiring all new cars to be electric in what analysts describe as the world's most aggressive EV policy.

First covered Jul 22, 2026 · 7:30 AM PT · 1 article

Laos bans new gasoline and diesel car imports, mandating all-electric vehicles — Image via electrek.co

Coverage

3h Electrek This country went 100% electric vehicles overnight with a drastic approach — Laos did something no other country has tried: it banned the import of new gas and diesel passenger cars outright.

More coverage from around the web

usasean.org Laos Suspends Fuel-Powered Vehicle Imports Through 2026 to Accelerate EV Transition | US ABC

english.news.cn Laos accelerates push for EV adoption amid clean energy shift-Xinhua

eco-business.com Laos suspends fuel-powered vehicle imports in drive to accelerate EV adoption | News | Eco-Business | Asia Pacific

thestar.com.my Laos to suspend fuel-powered vehicle imports until end of 2026 | The Star

thestar.com.my Laos halts fossil fuel vehicle imports and sets price controls for electric cars | The Star

Appeared in: 2026-07-22 (#2)

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